SGF

Where did you see this special at the Fairmont? When I go to their site and put in the dates it comes up with a higher price ($199.00).

mona2

to SGF, try this

http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?id=101187442

SGF

Thanks LN for posting that great special and thanks also to mona2 for the website.

I had already called the hotel to get the information prior to seeing the site posted by LN and we booked a room with them for that price. The only bad part is it's non refundable but the price is definitely a good deal since it's a four star hotel. The room is 400 sq. ft. so I'm sure it will be ok in size. We figure even if we take a taxi in both ways if we don't want to walk the 10 mins to the metro it's still about $300.00 cheaper overall than booking the JW Marriott. It's not like we're going to be going back to our hotel during the day so the little extra traveling time is definitely worth saving $300.00 . Someone make me feel better for booking a non refundable hotel... did we make the right choice???

Anyone stay there recently or where can I find some reviews other than Fodor's or Tripadvisor?

Will the Foggy Bottom Metro stop take us directly to the main attractions downtown? How long a ride is it? Is it safe to walk back from the metro to the hotel at night?

Thanks again to everyone not only for all your help but for saving us $300.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LN

You got a GOOD hotel!! And you['ll be pleased staying there. Our subway (Metro) is great for getting around DC so that will cause no problems.

Now as to the size of your room - is a 20 x 20 room sufficient cause that's what 400 sq ft comes down to.

They're offering a great rate and you couldn't go Priceline so you'll have to come to DC and not cancel!! You really don't want to cancel though - Washington is such a beautiful city - you'll enjoy it and your kids will learn a lot about their capitol!!

Have a great time!!! (And let us know how you liked the Fairmont!!)

SGF

I've no intension to cancel we are all looking forward to this trip but what's making me nervous about the paying up front and no cancellation is one never knows.....could get an ear infection can't fly (heaven forbid)!!!!!!! The "special rate" says you can cancel 72 hrs. prior and only loose one night deposit but after that it's a total forfeit if you don't go. Guess I'll stock up on lots of OJ and make sure everyone takes their vitamins............
As for the room it's not the biggest but it larger than some of the other rooms I've priced. I think the one at the JW Marriott was around the same or a little smaller. We'll only be there to shower and sleep so it won't be that bad.
I've read it's only a short metro ride into town so that shouldn't be a problem either plus we can always catch a cab.

Now I need to find some inexpensive places to get breakfast either at the hotel or downtown. Any suggestions?

Is there a website that will tell you which metro station to get off for each attraction?

Any good guided bus tours beside tourmobile and trolley? Want to do an evening monument one that would maybe drop us off at the hotel afterwards?

kayd

If you want an evening tour that will drop you off at your hotel, arrange it privately. Any bus-type tour that stops at your hotel will also stop at others so you'll spend your time seeing as many hotels as monumnets.

Perhaps a taxi driver would be happy to give you an hour of his time and cab for $50 or $60, since they are not metered and it would take about 5 fares for the driver to reach $50. The hotel concierge should be able to help with this.

hockeymom

When we were in DC last week we did see an advertisement for a limo service that was door-to-door. I can't find the name right now, but it advertised on a D.C. map that we got at our hotel. We went with Tourmobile and had a great tour guide. I wasn't sure how the tour guides would be with the limo service. The Tourmobile boards/returns to Union Station.

SGF

We're going to do the evening monument tour with Tourmobile but we were concerned being it's a holiday for our day tour that the lines to get on/off the trolleys would be long and if you miss a trolley the next wait could be 20-40 mins. Too much wasted time in between that way. That's a good idea to check with a taxi to see about a private tour. That's what we usually do while cruising in the islands. Has anyone heard or used a company by the name of Capitol Tours? I never thought about.... if they pick us up then we'll be stopping at other hotels too. Maybe I can call and see where our hotel is on the list of stops. If we're towards the last it wouldn't be so bad but I'd hate to be one of the first and have a hotel tour.